An Easy Approach to Edgewise—The Progressive Light Wire Edgewise Technique of Ricketts

In this, the first of a three part article for the British Journal of Orthodontics, the author gives an illustrated history of the edgewise mechanism. He describes it, as it was used by the inventor 40 years ago, and explains why and how the edgewise appliance has been modified. He explains why, to the European seeing for the first time American edgewise orthodontic practices in the 1970s, there seem to be so many variations of the appliance in use.

He brings the story of the edgewise mechanism up to date with a description of the Progressive Light Wire Edgewise (Bioprogressive) technique of Ricketts. This is the form of edgewise which the author has adopted in his own practice. He attempts, in Part I, to show why he believes that with a British training and experience in Watkin, twin wire arch, and some knowledge of Begg, it is easy, enjoyable and beneficial to convert to the Progressive Light Edgewise technique.